News, opinion and commentary

U.S. supercomputer makers balk at export plan

Article Abstract:

US supercomputer manufacturers are calling proposed export regulations, regarding high-powered computers, unrealistic. The regulations, which apply to 'supercomputers' capable of performing up to 300 megaflops, for 23 US allies, and up to 150 megaflops, for other non-communist nations, are designed to restrict nations' abilities to design complex weapons. US manufacturers point out that the Department of Commerce is not aware of the progress of technology, and that by the end of 1990 some desktop computers will fall under the restrictions. IBM receives 60 percent of its income from exports, and the company says the restrictions will cover most of its product line, hampering competitiveness. The proposed requirements would restrict certain types of software, require foreign governments to sign restriction agreements and allow audits of compliance.

Author: Markoff, John

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:1990

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Pentagon seeking tougher curbs on exports of newest computers

Article Abstract:

The US Department of Defense (DOD) wants stricter controls over export of computer workstations. The DOD will not reveal its reasons, but industry executives say the Pentagon fears potential military uses of such workstations. Proliferation of such powerful technologies to groups such as the Irish Republican Army or the Cambodian Resistance Movement is a possibility. So is research into antisubmarine warfare. The DOD is said to be particularly concerned that reduced-instruction-set-computing (RISC) workstations might be connected together, so that advanced weapons design employing near-supercomputer capabilities could be accomplished. The restrictions that the DOD proposes would partly counter recent attempts by the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (Cocom) to loosen controls over East-West trade.

Author: Markoff, John

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:1991

U.S. revising guidelines on computer exports

Article Abstract:

The United States Department of Commerce responds to criticism from the computer industry concerning proposed export restrictions for supercomputers. The Department will revise its guidelines. The main thrust of industry's complaint centered around unrealistically low thresholds of performance set by the Department in classifying supercomputers. Commerce proposed a three tier system of restrictions, from 100 megaflops to 300 megaflops, based on a nation's trading status with the US. Industry representatives say that many desktop machines will soon fall into those categories. Industry also point out that European and Japanese companies are producing machines which could fill a gap if US companies are denied access, thus harming US firms.

Author: Markoff, John

Publisher:The New York Times CompanyPublication Name:The New York TimesSubject:News, opinion and commentaryISSN:0362-4331Year:1990